Which statement correctly describes body cells in relation to gametes?

Which statement correctly describes body cells in relation to gametes?

• A. They have the same number of chromosomes as gametes
• B. They contain twice as many chromosomes as gametes
• C. They contain half as many chromosomes as gametes
• D. Their chromosome number varies between cells

Answer: (B)

Body cells are diploid, meaning they contain two complete sets of chromosomes, while gametes are haploid, carrying only one set. Because meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half to make gametes, body cells end up with twice as many chromosomes as gametes. For example, humans have 46 chromosomes in most body cells and 23 in each gamete; when two gametes fuse, the zygote restores the full diploid number. The other statements would imply the same, half, or variable numbers, which doesn’t describe the standard relationship between somatic cells and gametes.

Body cells are diploid, meaning they contain two complete sets of chromosomes, while gametes are haploid, carrying only one set. Because meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half to make gametes, body cells end up with twice as many chromosomes as gametes. For example, humans have 46 chromosomes in most body cells and 23 in each gamete; when two gametes fuse, the zygote restores the full diploid number. The other statements would imply the same, half, or variable numbers, which doesn’t describe the standard relationship between somatic cells and gametes.